Cranston

About Cranston

Cranston is a large city in Rhode Island's Providence County, part of the larger Providence metropolitan area. It enjoys 3.5 miles of shoreline on the Providence River and borders West Warwick, Scituate and the city of Warwick. Cranston has received national recognition on several occasions as a great place to live, including being named by Money magazine as one of the best places to live in American.

The History of Cranston

The area that's now Cranston was originally home to the Narragansett Indians. English settlers established the town of Cranston in 1754 with just 1,460 residents, and the small community grew at a fairly steady pace. During the Industrial Revolution, immigrants from Italy, Ireland, Germany, Sweden, Armenia, Greece and French Canada came to the area, creating the rich and diverse culture that persists here today.

Cranston was established as a city in 1910, though by then it had grown considerably smaller as a result of losing land to neighboring communities. The city boasts a number of historic locations, like the Governor Sprague Mansion and Edgewood Yacht Club. Several historical districts dot the city, including Oaklawn Village, Furnace Brook, Pawtuxet Village and Lippitt Hill.

Living in Cranston

Cranston is readily accessible with Interstates 95 and 295 bisecting in the city, yet it retains the peaceful air of a rural retreat. The city serves as a major commercial and industrial center in Rhode Island, with jewelry, food, machinery and combined metals the largest employers in the city. A well-maintained playground and parks system makes this a particularly desirable area for families looking for a picturesque place to settle down.

One of the most popular recreational facilities in Cranston is the Budlong Pool, which is among the largest outdoor swimming pools in the U.S. The Cranston YMCA is also a highlight of the community, offering a preschool program, a full gym and a swimming pool. The YMCA also operates several recreational programs, including youth and adult sports, theater and dance, teen leadership programs and summer day camps.

Cranston Schools

The Cranston Public School District manages the public elementary, middle and high schools in Cranston. The district also features the Cranston Area Career and Technical Center and NEL/CPS Construction and Career Academy. There are also a few private schools in Cranston, including several preschools.

Resources for Moving to Cranston

Here are a few useful resources to help you plan your move to Cranston:

• Utilities: National Grid supplies Cranston with energy, while the Providence Water Supply Board and Kent County Water Authority are the primary water providers.
• Garbage and Recycling: The city facilitates curbside collection of trash and recycling for one-, two-, three- and four-family dwellings. Larger multi-family communities typically utilize a large dumpster system, which is also regularly emptied by the city.
• Transportation: Cranston is part of the RIPTA public bus network, which provides a convenient route to Providence that takes about 25 minutes of travel time.
• Pets: You are required to register your dog with the city.
  
• Moving Day: If you're planning to park your moving truck on the street overnight, you'll need to request special permission from the city. You can register the vehicle using the city's website.

Cranston Housing

Although homes in Cranston are more expensive than the national average, they are generally more affordable than the Rhode Island average. The Cranston housing market offers something for everyone, including properties for purchase or rent in a variety of styles and sizes.